Best holiday parks, hotels and pubs in England 2025 revealed – with soft play, safari lodges and floating pods
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
VISITENGLAND has revealed the best holiday parks as well as hotels and pubs across the UK for 2025.
Polmanter Holiday Park in St Ives has won 'Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year'.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
6
Polmanter Holiday Park won Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year
Credit: Polmanter Touring Park
6
Inside is soft play, games room, and kids' areas
Credit: Polmanter Touring Park
Run by the Osbornes for over fifty years, the campsite in Halsetown is just a three-minute drive to the middle of St Ives and six minutes from the beach.
One of the reasons for its popularity is the many on-site activities, from golf on the putting green to tennis on the all-weather tennis courts, a football pitch and plenty of walking routes.
For any keen walkers, you can pick up the famous Salt Path (South West Coast Path) from St Ives, or towards Zennor.
There's also a heated outdoor swimming pool open from May until mid-September.
The 20m long pool has the room for serious swimmers, as well as a shallow end to splash about. On the banks are plenty of sun loungers to laze about on when the sun shines.
Outside are also two playgrounds, one designed for younger children with a wooden camper van and tractor. The second for slightly older kids with a zip wire and wooden pods.
And recently added to the site is an outdoor playground and indoor soft play area.
There's areas dedicated to kids of all ages from toddler area to a teenage hangout in the games room.
When it comes to food and drink, there's The Stable Bar is open from 9am, with food available until 9pm (8pm on Sundays).
During the week, there's entertainment in the bar from bingo and quiz nights to live music sessions from local musicians.
Award-Winning Campsite Has Floating Hideaways
6
There's plenty to do for kids outside like have a go on the climbing frames
Credit: Polmanter Touring Park
6
The award-winning holiday park is minutes away from the coast
Credit: Polmanter Touring Park
Pitches welcome tents, caravans, campers and motorhomes with all pitches are self-catered with views across the Atlantic.
Anyone who doesn't fancy pitching up, but wants to stay on the site, can also stay in the two luxury self-catered apartments that sleep up to four people.
Or there's the two country cottages that each sleep up to six, and each has its own hot tub.
6
Hippersons Boatyard was the holiday park in third place
Credit: Hippersons Boatyard
The holiday park that came in second place was Mendip Basecamp, Somerset.
The site has glamping safari tents, nomandic bell tents and an activity centre with over 20 activities to book from archery to snowsports.
In third place was the Hippersons Boatyard, Suffolk which is a unique holiday park with floating pods.
The self-catering, holiday destination in Beccles, is known for its houseboats and pods that sit on the river.
Mallory Court Country House Hotel & Spa in Warwickshire, bagged top spot for Large Hotel of the Year.
It boasts luxurious accommodation and is set in 10 acres of grounds.
While Summer Lodge Country House Hotel in the village of Evershot in Dorset got gold for Small Hotel of the Year.
Visitors can stay in the main hotel, or in the private cottages - and use the on-site spa.
The Farmers Arms in Devon scooped up Gold for 'Pub of the Year'.
Here are more UK campsites that have 10/10 reviews with honesty shops and resident deer.
And more of Britain's best family-friendly campsites – with free-roaming wallabies, farm parks and tractor rides.
Full List of VisitEngland Winners Revealed
Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award :
GOLD - Eureka! Science + Discovery, Merseyside
Silver - Marsham Court Hotel, Dorset
Bronze - The Courtyard, Herefordshire
B&B and Guest House of the Year:
GOLD - Sunnyside Guest House Southport, Merseyside
Silver - Abbots Grange Manor House, Worcestershire
Bronze - Boscastle House, Cornwall
Business Events Venue of the Year:
GOLD - Keele University Events and Conferencing, Staffordshire
Silver - Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement, Cheshire
Bronze - The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, Tyne & Wear
Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year:
GOLD - Polmanter Touring Park, Cornwall
Silver - Mendip Basecamp, Somerset
Bronze - Hippersons Boatyard, Suffolk
Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award sponsored by Sykes Holiday Cottages:
GOLD - Sunnyside Guest House Southport, Merseyside
Silver - The Quiet Side, Cumbria
Bronze - Battlesteads, Northumberland
Experience of the Year:
GOLD - Cow Cuddling, Dumble Farm, East Riding of Yorkshire
Silver - The Wizard Walk of York, North Yorkshire
Bronze - Introduction to Sailing, Mylor Sailing School, Cornwall
International Tourism Award:
GOLD - The Beatles Story, Merseyside
Silver - World of Wedgwood, Staffordshire
Bronze - St Mary's Guildhall, West Midlands
Large Hotel of the Year sponsored by Ecclesiastical:
GOLD - Mallory Court Country House Hotel & Spa, Warwickshire
Silver - Sandburn Hall, North Yorkshire
Bronze - Titanic Hotel Liverpool, Merseyside
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year sponsored by Raw Charging Network Ltd:
GOLD - Black Country Living Museum, West Midlands
Silver - National Space Centre, Leicestershire
Bronze - Liverpool Football Club Tours & Experiences, Merseyside
Pub of the Year:
GOLD - The Farmers Arms, Devon
Silver - The Blind Bull, Derbyshire
Bronze - The Griffin Inn, Leicestershire
Small Hotel of the Year:
GOLD - Summer Lodge Country House Hotel, Dorset
Silver - Seaham Hall, County Durham
Bronze - The Montagu Arms Hotel, Hampshire
Small Visitor Attraction of the Year:
GOLD - No.1 Royal Crescent, Bath
Silver - King Richard III Visitor Centre Leicestershire
Bronze - Sculpture by the Lakes, Dorset
Taste of England Award:
GOLD - The Cavendish Hotel, Derbyshire
Silver - Searcys at The Pump Room, Bath
Bronze - The Riverside at Aymestrey, Herefordshire
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
3 days ago
- The Sun
Tesco shelves are loaded with ‘reduced to clear' camping equipment including tents, airbeds & cookers from £1.25
WHETHER you have a family camping trip planned or a festival on the horizon, Tesco has got you covered. The retailer is set to make customers happy campers with a "reduced to clear" sale on a variety of outdoor equipment. 4 From tents and air beds to travel cookware and blow up chairs, you can nab everything you need for an outdoorsy adventure from the Tesco sales section. The camping deals were shared on the Facebook group Bag A Weekly Bargain. "While shopping at Tesco today I did notice a lot of camping reduced to clear items so it's worth checking your [location] too," one bargain hunter wrote. The Facebook user shared pictures of some of the reduced items in the post. Bargain prices A four person tent had been slashed to just £24 while a two person one was listed for £17. Meanwhile, shoppers can pick up a single air mattress, which is available for just £10. In fact, you can create a whole living set up with air furniture, including a blow up lounger for £12.50 and a blow up couch for £20. There are also kid's air loungers available in fun designs for just £5, while a fold-out camping chair for your little one will set you back just £7. Kitchenware And you can also complete household tasks from drying soggy clothers to cooking dinner with this bargain range. A portable gas cooker is currently reduced to just £14 and even comes with a case for your convenience. Here's how to do festival looks on a budget - and save the planet You can kit out your travel kitchen with a collapsable collander for £1.50. Then at the end of the night you can sit back with a glass of wine, with travel glasses available in a two-pack for £3.85. Or for colder nights, warm up with a hot drink in an enamel mug, available in a pack of two for just £3. And for just £1.25, you can set up a travel clothes line, measuring 2 metres. Last but not least, no camping trip would be complete without a sleeping bag. You can choose between a wide variety of outdoors bedding, beginning from just £6. More camping buys A round-up of all the top camping gear that has been tried and tested for festival season. Plus, the cheapest shops to pick up all your essential camping and festival buys. And Argos is selling a six person tent that's £364 cheaper than a North Face version. The Range is selling everything you need for a weekend camping trip for just £42. 4 4
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Daily Mail
Lorraine Kelly accidentally brushes her teeth with washing powder while husband Steve Smith brands the couple 'mingin' as they leave luxuries behind for Zimbabwe camping trip
Lorraine Kelly and husband Steve Smith have left luxuries behind for their picturesque Zimbabwe camping trip. But despite being left 'mingin' as they roughed it, the broadcaster, 65, and her partner of 33-years, appeared to love every moment as they got up close and personal with hippopotamuses and crocodiles. One mishap while travelling in their camper saw Lorraine accidentally brush her teeth with 'travel wash' while Steve, who shares daughter Rosie, 31, with his wife, joked the pair's equal stenches were 'cancelling each other out'. Taking to his Instagram he shared a clip of the getaway as the couple dined outdoors and enjoyed the scenery before bedding down in their van. Steve captioned the video: 'Another great day at mana pools. One of us brushed their teeth with travel wash ( no me ) before we set off the see what we could find'. 'Lots@of ele's antelopes, warthogs, jackals, hippos and crocs. The wild dogs have moved on and we never saw lions but we heard them in the night. Kept me awake!'. He went on: 'We're both so mingin now but at least we're cancelling each other out! Finally getting used to the 4WD with the funny wee second gear lever and the hub locks. Early night , up in the tent at 6 like toddlers before the bitey things come out of the bush ' While Lorraine commented: 'To be fair the travel wash was in the same wash at as the toothpaste and both tubes the same size'. Steve has famously stayed out of the spotlight and in his wife's shadow, with Lorraine joking 'his idea of hell would be a premiere' - but he understands the demands of her role in the entertainment world. She previously told The Mirror: 'He picks up the slack and always has. I couldn't do what I do if it weren't for him. He makes me laugh an awful lot. He's very kind and a brilliant dad.' Lorraine added: 'His idea of hell on earth would be at something like a premiere. It would be like having needles stuck in his eyes. That does help. It must be very odd being with someone who enjoys walking down a red carpet.' The host also lauded her partner for his support when she was going through perimenopause. She said: 'It was absolutely horrible. I completely lost myself. My husband didn't know what was going on. He said, "what can I do, how can I help?" It was him who said, "you have to get some help."' In 2021, Lorraine gave a rare insight to her marriage with Steve, revealing their sex life is ' toddling along nicely '. While Lorraine commented: 'To be fair the travel wash was in the same wash at as the toothpaste and both tubes the same size' The daytime television presenter said the secret to keeping intimacy alive is 'having confidence in yourself, adding that 'a lot of older women can feel invisible'. 'It is all about being confident in yourself. A lot of older women can feel invisible, but I don't', she told the Mirror. It comes after Lorraine reportedly signed a major deal with ITV rival Channel 4 for a huge budget travel series after her daytime show was hit by brutal cuts. The Scottish presenter's morning show has also seen her key production role, Head of Lorraine be axed, according to The Sun On Sunday. And this is just the latest in a series of blows for the show, as the year-round hour-long show was reduced to just 30 weeks of 30-minute slots from next year. Lorraine first joined ITV in 1984 and has appeared on many flagship shows including GMB alongside Eamonn Holmes. A source told the publication: 'Channel 4 were delighted to have Lorraine on board. It was exciting for Lorraine to do something different and be on location again. 'Despite the apparent slight in the ITV daytime shake-up, Lorraine's loyal fanbase isn't to be underestimated and they will follow her wherever she goes. The source continued and claimed she is 'gutted' over the cuts and is now 'opening her eyes' to upcoming options in the industry. An ITV spokesperson told MailOnline: 'We have always said that from January 2026, Lorraine, This Morning and Loose Women will be three editorially distinct shows which will be produced by one team. 'These changes are not about the performance of the shows or the staff who produce them, with Lorraine only last month achieving its highest audience share in four years. 'We can assure our viewers that their favourite daytime shows will remain familiar to them on screen."
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Scottish Sun
The eight English cities hosting the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 – and what to do in each place
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE Women's Rugby World Cup is taking place across the UK next month. And for the first time, it will take place across eight English cities - and VisitEngland have shared their top tips on what to do in each. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 The Women's Rugby World Cup takes place next month Credit: Getty Running from August 22 to September 27, the eight cities are Brighton & Hove, Bristol, Exeter, London, Manchester, Northampton, Sunderland and York - with Anne Marie headlining the opening ceremony. Here is the full guide of what to do in each - and the rugby-themed events taking place. Brighton & Hove Brighton & Hove previously hosted three UEFA Women's Euro fixtures in 2022. But beyond the pitch, Brighton offers a rich mix of experiences from panoramic views atop Brighton i360 to the adrenaline of the Brighton Zip. Read more on UK cities SINK A FEW Quirky UK city named one of the top foodie destinations for 2025 with pub crawls The colourful Lanes entice visitors with eclectic boutiques, artisan coffee shops and bakeries, while Shelter Hall on the seafront provides a contemporary twist on the traditional food hall. No visit to Brighton is complete without a trip to the iconic Palace Pier with its exhilarating roller coaster rides and views of the English Channel. Top Tip: The Red Roses take on Australia on September 6 whilst New Zealand go head-to-head with Ireland on 7 September. Head to the fan zone in Victoria Gardens between September 4 and 7 for a free, family-friendly, female-focused festival including local music and rugby taster sessions. Bristol The city's engineering legacy is front and centre at the Clifton Suspension Bridge and Brunel's SS Great Britain. Bristol's Ashton Gate Stadium, home to Bristol Bears and Bristol City FC, is set to host both semi-finals and two quarter finals – and has already made history with England's highest attended women's rugby game outside of London. Ellie Kildunne: Defying Odds and Inspiring a Generation For a creative fix, dive into the immersive world of Wake The Tiger or create your own masterpiece with Graft's graffiti workshops – a must-do in Banksy's hometown. Top Tip: A dedicated Rugby World Cup walking route will link the two fan zones at Ashton Gate and Bristol Amphitheatre to allow visitors to take in the sites en route. Quarter finals will take place on the weekend of September 13 and semi-finals on the weekend of September 19. 8 The colourful Bristol will host the semi and quarter finals Credit: Alamy Exeter The tournament's most south-westerly venue, Sandy Park in Exeter has been home to the Exeter Chiefs for the past 18 years and will host seven matches this year, including two quarter-final fixtures The Devonshire city offers a culture-packed break with riverside walks, Gothic architecture and top-notch local food. Start with the awe-inspiring Exeter Cathedral, boasting the world's longest uninterrupted medieval stone vaulted ceiling, before heading beneath the city's surface on a tour of the Exeter Underground Passages. Back above ground, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum offers a rich collection of art, archaeology and natural history. If the sun's out wander down to the scenic quayside, home to indie shops, artist studios and riverside pubs. Top Tip: Exeter's free and accessible Princesshay fan zone will show all matches on a big outdoor screen for the duration of the tournament with plenty of seating options, a pop-up bar and nearby street food vendors. 8 Exeter will host seven games but there is a lot to explore in the city too Credit: Alamy Twickenham, London The legendary Twickenham Stadium will host both the Women's Rugby World Cup final and bronze final on September 27. In nearby Richmond, discover natural beauty and regal heritage with walks and wild deer spotting in Richmond Park, explore the UNESCO-listed Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew or step into history at Hampton Court Palace. For a tranquil meal in a secret garden setting, enjoy lunch or afternoon tea at the charming Petersham Nurseries hidden away along the River Thames. Top Tip: Organisers are anticipating that the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 final could sell out Twickenham Stadium and surpass England's record for the highest attended women's rugby game. If you do miss out on a ticket, you can still soak up the sporting atmosphere at one of Twickenham's rugby pubs, such as The Barmy Arms or The Cabbage Patch, which always come alive with fans on match days. 8 Twickenham Stadium is likely to sell out, but there is lots going on elsewhere Credit: Alamy Salford, Greater Manchester Manchester is no stranger to ball sports, but it's rugby that's set to shine in the city this summer with the Salford Community Stadium hosting four Women's Rugby World Cup fixtures. Make a post-match visit to Salford Quays, where the city's industrial past has been transformed into a cultural and culinary hub. Sample the 19 independent kitchens at Kargo food hall or take in the creative legacy of L.S. Lowry at The Lowry arts centre and theatre. Top Tip: To align with the four games being played at Salford Community Stadium on August 23 and 30, Piccadilly Gardens in the heart of Manchester's city centre will host a fun filled fan zone experience with more details to be announced. 8 Salford Quays is now a cultural hub Credit: Alamy Northampton Northampton, the Midlands' only Women's Rugby World Cup host city, will see six matches staged at Franklin's Gardens, a venue dating back to 1880. Northampton has plenty to explore between games too, such as the Northampton Museum & Art Gallery, or enjoy a countryside escape at the gardens of Castle Ashby. Motorsport fans can head to the world-famous Silverstone Circuit to explore its museum – or even drive the iconic track in a single-seater racing car. Top Tip: Across weekends that the tournament is on, Northampton Market Square's fan zone will be celebrating with live music and street entertainment – along with an all-important big screen and a licensed bar. The fan zone will have a different theme each weekend, from technology and innovation to art, music and culture. 8 Northampton will host six games this year Credit: Alamy Sunderland The North East is all set to welcome fans with the tournament's opening show and first game – a must-watch match between England and the USA – taking place at Sunderland's Stadium of Light on August 22. Beyond the pitch, Sunderland offers sandy summer escapes at Roker and Seaburn beaches. For cultural exploration, visit Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens – keep an eye out for Wallace the lion – and the National Glass Centre, where you can watch live glassblowing in action. Top Tip: A mini music festival will take place at the city's Keel Square fan village on the evening of August 21 – featuring a lineup of female-led live music. The celebrations continue at Keel Square for the next two days with live entertainment, interactive games, food, drink and big screens. They'll also be plenty of community events taking place locally, including touch rugby festivals on nearby beaches. 8 Sunderland will host the games at the Stadium of Light Credit: Alamy York One of the tournament's newest venues, the York Community Stadium previously hosted the Women's Rugby League World Cup in 2021 and this year will have six matches taking place during the tournament. York is a city layered with history – visit the 7th Century York Minster, uncover Norse heritage at the Jorvik Viking Centre or brave the thrills of York Dungeon. For something more modern, enjoy food and drink at creative community venue SPARK* or join a craft beer tasting tour at Brew York. Top Tip: The Red Roses' captain is North Yorkshire-born Zoe Aldcroft, who hails from Scarborough and started playing at her local rugby club aged eight. It takes under an hour to reach Scarborough from York by train, and the coastal town (touted to be England's first seaside resort) offers rich heritage, outdoor adventures and plenty of water sports – perfect for a breezy break away from the pitch.
